Arthur C Towner Ltd

24/07/2026

We are absolutely thrilled, and still in a little bit of shock, to announce that we have been named as finalists in The Gerald Edelman Family Business of the Year Award 2026 in The Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards.

For a small family run business tucked away on the south east coast this is an incredible achievement. We're up against all sorts of businesses of different shapes and sizes all of whom we are incredibly proud to be thought of in the same category.

We will find out if we can get over the line in November but to even make it as finalists is a huge achievement.

To all at Towners, your commitment and care are truly inspirational and the way that you care for families that trust us, and our community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week is the reason we are here.

17/06/2026

It is a welcome sight to see the ASA enforcing the rules. It’s so important for families to be given clear, concise and factual information when considering how their loved one is looked after.

Pure Cremation’s advert has been pulled be regulators for claiming an attended funeral service was part of its standard plan

10/06/2026

Talking about death feels uncomfortable.

We know this better than anyone. However, we also know that getting comfortable discussing it is actually hugely beneficial. Not only can it make it seem less scary to think about, but it can also help you and your loved ones prepare emotionally, financially and physically by helping to plan for the future.

In addition to this, if you or someone you know is currently dealing with a bereavement, being open to talk about how death has affected you and sharing experiences can be a healthy coping mechanism.

We want to break the taboo of discussing death, and help to make a sensitive subject more comfortable. For advice on how to get these important conversations started, click here to read our latest blog post 👉 https://towners.co.uk/blog/the-importance-of-talking-about-death/?utm_source=SocialMedia&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=OrganicSocial

05/06/2026

In honour of World Environment Day, we wanted to encourage making sustainable choices when planning a funeral. Even simple choices such as the material of the coffin can have a significant impact on the environment.

As founder members of the Association of Green Funeral Directors, we look to promote sustainable funeral practices wherever possible. You can read how we pledge our commitment to the environment here 👉 https://towners.co.uk/natural-burial-green-funeral-east-sussex?utm_source=SocialMedia&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=OrganicSocial

26/05/2026

This weekend saw the Good Grief Festival come to Hastings. What an absolute triumph! Some of the Towners Team came down on Saturday to the Stade to show off the Rolls Royce hearse from Empress Coaches & Carriage Masters and also our incredible Mushroom Coffin from Loop Biotech.

It was a wonderful opportunity for curious minds to come and ask questions about death, dying, loss and bereavement and openly discuss what we, as Funeral Directors, do and the part we play in the death process.

To be able to speak to so many in our community, in a relaxed informal way in the sunshine was a blessing. Thank you to everyone who came to say hello to us!

Thank you so much to St Michael's Hospice (Hastings and Rother) and 18 Hours Events as well as University of Brighton and Good Grief Festival for organising such a well put together and attended event!

18/05/2026

It was an absolute pleasure this weekend as Oliver Towner and Hannah Towner-Roethe took to the seafront with for their Family and Friends Beach Clean ahead of the Paddle Out Protest. Funeral Directors Joe and Joanne also came along on what was a lovely sunny Saturday morning!

It was honestly so incredible to see the seafront looking so clean and lively!

01/05/2026

In a world of quick online fixes, the emotional cost can be overlooked.

The reality? 51% of people who chose an unattended cremation felt disappointed they couldn't fully pay their respects and 45% found the lack of a service sparked family disagreements.

You deserve a human touch, a local face and a team that handles everything with care.

28/04/2026

Trying to understand your own feelings of grief is already challenging, so trying to explain to a child who may be experiencing it for the first time can feel nearly impossible.

Whilst there is no easy way to address death, it can be made easier by using books. These can be used to help prepare for future bereavements, or to provide comfort for a situation they may be currently be going through.

Click the link to read our list of 5 of the best books to help children deal with grief 👉 https://towners.co.uk/blog/5-must-read-books-for-children-dealing-with-grief/?utm_source=SocialMedia&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=OrganicSocial

16/03/2026

Scotland has become the first in the UK to legalise resomation.

Also known as water cremation, and technically referred to as alkaline hydrolysis, it is an alternative method to traditional cremation. The end result is much the same, with the remains turned into a powder similar to ashes.

Despite the claims that this is a more sustainable option, there are some concerns regarding increased water usage, which comes with its own environmental implications. As a result, we wanted to highlight the range of other sustainable choices that are currently available, or may potentially become legalised in the future:
- Natural burials allow the dead to be buried in designated areas of burial grounds that are kept in their natural state
- Woodland burials involve burying the deceased in a biodegradable coffin in a woodland area or meadow
- Biodegradable coffins and urns allow the body to be returned to the earth or even used to nourish the growth of fresh wildlife
- Terramation accelerates the decomposition of a body into nutrient-rich soil, which can then be used in several ways to honour the dead and support new life. However, this method is currently not available in the UK.

Despite what you might expect, the funeral industry looks to utilise new technologies and ideas to advance beyond the traditional methods. You can find out more about these sustainable methods by clicking here 👉 https://towners.co.uk/our-services/funerals/alternative-funerals/?utm_source=SocialMedia&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=OrganicSocial

11/02/2026

Funeral processions are a wonderful opportunity to create a unique final journey.

A hearse will most likely be required to transport your loved one to their final resting place, however there are still ways to add personalised touches to the procession. This can act as another tribute to the dead and celebrate the type of person they were and the things that they loved.

Here are just some examples that can help make the journey a little more special:
- Use a horse-drawn hearse for a traditional aesthetic
- Hire a special vehicle, something that was a 'dream car' for the dead
- If they were part of a specific community, use a vehicle that is associated with this
- Use vehicles that were sentimental to them, such as cars that have been a part of their family or friendship group for a long time
- Decorate the inside of the hearse in a way that reflects their interests

Learn more about our approach to bespoke funerals here 👉 https://towners.co.uk/blog/towners-approach-to-bespoke-funerals/?utm_source=SocialMedia&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=OrganicSocial